10 Facts About Napoleon LeBrun

Napoleon Eugene Charles Henry LeBrun was an American architect.

Napoleon LeBrun became the official architect of the Fire Department of New York and designed 42 firehouses between 1879 and 1895.

Napoleon LeBrun's father supported the family by working as an author, teacher and translator.

In 1847, Napoleon LeBrun designed the St Augustine Church in Philadelphia.

Napoleon LeBrun designed the first Columbia County Courthouse in Bloomsburg and the 1854 Montgomery County Courthouse in Norristown.

In 1864, LeBrun relocated his office and family to New York City, establishing his reputation there with the Masonic Temple on West 23rd Street in Manhattan, designed in the Second Empire style; in 1911 the Temple was torn down to be replaced with the current Masonic Building designed by Harry P Knowles.

Napoleon LeBrun's office is responsible for the current St Michael's Church church, rectory, convent, and school, which incorporate elements of an earlier church by Lawrence J O'Connor which was demolished for the construction of the North River Tunnels and Pennsylvania Station.

In 1879, Napoleon LeBrun served as the American Institute of Architects representative on the Board of Examiners of the Building Bureau of the Fire Department.

Napoleon LeBrun became the official architect of the Fire Department of New York and between 1879 and 1895, his firm designed 42 buildings, including fire houses, a fire pier and a warehouse.

Napoleon LeBrun died in 1901 in New York City, and was buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia.